How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Shelf Stable
Introduction:
A cold brew coffee shelf is a container for making and storing cold-brewed coffee. There are many recipes out there for how to make iced coffee, but the goal of preparing the cold-brewed coffee shelf is precisely to allow you to make it in advance.
This gives your iced coffee time to age to achieve maximum flavor (this process is called “cold brewing” or “cold steeping”). Cold-infused coffee can be prepared within 30 minutes. However, allowing the mixture to steep overnight will result in a significantly more flavorful end product. In this article, I will discuss how to make cold brew coffee shelves stable. So let us get started.
Stepwsie Guide on How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Shelf Stable:
What you’ll need
- 1 L glass jar or non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid. We use the Anchor Hocking Glass Jar 1L, which can be found on Amazon.com for under $10.00.
- Two tablespoons of coarse ground coffee to start your cold brew; adjust according to taste after complete brewing.
- Three cups of room temperature filtered water, and we recommend using filtered water because it produces less sediment when brewed and ensures no impurities in your final product.
- A funnel and fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth strain out the coffee grinds.
- A timer of some sort.
Instructions:
Warm the jar by running it under hot tap water for a few minutes, and this will make it easier to pour the cold filtered water into the pot without breaking or cracking it. You can also let your coffee sit out at room temperature for about an hour before brewing if you like;
we do not recommend using hot water to brew with because it extracts very quickly and may produce an overly acidic product. Next, grind your coffee coarsely (big flakes like kosher salt). We use our Porlex Mini grinder, which is small enough to travel with but more than capable of producing a perfect grind for use in cold brew;
however, any similar device should work just fine. Add the ground coffee to your jar and fill with 3 cups of filtered water slowly to allow any air pockets a chance to escape without pouring out too much liquid, then cover with a lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Allow your cold brew coffee to concentrate on sitting overnight at room temperature (about 8 hours), occasionally stirring if you think of it.
First, make cold brew coffee, put coffee grounds in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Then, add water and stir. Next, put the container in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Finally, pour the cold brew through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve lined with a funnel into another container with a tight-fitting lid; using the backside of a spoon is helpful here. You can now enjoy your iced cold brew over ice or refrigerate it for later use!
Storing:
Once your cold brew has been strained from its liquid state, you can choose to store it in the refrigerator (we recommend no longer than 14 days), or you can make shelf-stable cold brew coffee concentrate; the choice is yours.
To make shelf-stable cold brew coffee, allow your concentrate to sit at room temperature for about 3 hours and then place it into a sterilized jar and seal with a lid leaving as much air out as possible;
this will cause the natural oils which have risen to the top of your cold brew during its overnight fermentation process to fall back into the solution and create a fresh, flavorful beverage that won’t spoil as quickly as freshly brewed iced coffee would. Be sure to use it within one week of making, though, because those lovely fatty acids begin to degrade after this time, which reduces the shelf life even more!
Precautions While Making Cold Brew Coffee Shelf Stable:
Before we begin, I would like to warn you that this coffee’s shelf life depends entirely on how it’s stored. Please be aware that cold brew coffee is best served within seven days of making it. If you’re not going to drink all the coffee within those seven days, please consider freezing or canning some (sous vide) as discussed below.
Cold Brew Coffee Shelf Stability: Cold brew coffee has a different flavor profile than traditionally hot brewed coffee, and what may seem strange at first is part of this difference comes from oxidation which occurs naturally in your cup over time; however, unlike traditional iced (hot brewed) coffee where extra oxygen and sunlight greatly expedite these actions effects, iced cold brew is wholly protected.
Benefits of Having Cold Brew Coffee Shelf Stable:
1) You Save Money: Cold Brew Coffee is cost-effective as it can be made in advance and stored for several days; you only need to add cold water, milk/creamer of choice, and ice if you like iced coffee. So it’s cheaper than the regular hot brewed day-to-day joe and more affordable than high-end cold brews (trust me, we’ve tested both;)).
2) Less Acidic: Coffee tastes better when less acidic, even though some might prefer a slight acidity. Here’s how we make our Cold Brew Coffees at home: We use 2/3rd of a cup of medium grind (powdery fine!) coffee beans;
pour 8 cups of room temperature water on top of the grounds, mix it around a few times, and set aside for 12-24 hours. Then we pour everything through a fine-mesh strainer twice to eliminate any coffee powder at the bottom.
When it comes to hot brewed coffee, if you leave it on the burner too long, some acids will evaporate while some things in your coffee will oxidize, producing more acidic flavors.
3) You Get More: We make sure all our cold brews are 1/3rd stronger than their respective counterparts (i.e., more concentrated). For example, this Almond Cold Brew is made with 2 cups of ground espresso roast beans and 16 cups of room temperature water resulting in a double strong cold brew that can be diluted to your liking with water and ice or coffee creamer of choice.
4) More Flavor: Cooking something on low heat for a long time makes it more flavorful because slow cooking helps the ingredients break down and make smaller pieces releasing flavors that would otherwise be locked within them. In some cases, these substances help create new flavor profiles and react to one another.
For example, this is what happens when you cook red meat; if it’s cooked for a long time at a low temperature, then all sorts of spices will be added to the pot, giving it a rich taste.
You Can Check It Out To Use Grinds Coffee Pouches
How Long Does Unopened Cold Brew Last?
Unopened cold brew can last up to two months if stored in an air-tight container in a refrigerator. The best way to ensure that your cold brew is fresh and lasts as long as possible is to store it in the fridge and consume it within one month of opening. However, if stored properly, you can extend its shelf life by up to 8 weeks.
How to Maintain the Freshness of Cold Brew?
To ensure that your cold brew stays fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep its flavor profile and quality intact, extending its shelf life up to 8 weeks. Additionally, it is best to consume cold brew within one month of opening to guarantee optimal freshness.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Homemade Cold Brew Shelf-stable?
Cold-brew is a popular beverage that can be made at home using cold water and ground coffee. Because of its shelf-stable nature, many people are wondering if the cold brew is shelf-stable. The short answer is that while cold brew may not be shelf-stable under normal conditions, it is shelf-stable if it is kept cold.
To be shelf-stable, cold brew must have a refrigerated storage temperature of 4 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The beverage will remain fresh for up to two weeks at this temperature. If you plan to store cold brew for longer periods of time, it is best to store it in an airtight container to ensure preservation.
Can Cold Brew Be Stored at Room Temperature?
Yes, Cold Brew can be stored at room temperature. Just make sure that the old brew is poured immediately after brewing. Cold Brew will slowly spoil and lose its flavor if left at room temperature.
How Long Can Cold Brew Last Unrefrigerated?
Depending on the strength of your cold brew, it could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, it is always best to drink it fresh so it can still offer the benefits of cold brew. If you cannot drink it fresh, store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Why Does Cold Brew Coffee Have to Be Refrigerated?
Cold Brew Coffee is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular coffee that is perfect for those who are looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day. It is made by brewing cold coffee at a very low temperature, which preserves the beans and allows the flavors to meld together.
Cold Brew Coffee is best served cold and can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. It is also ideal for use in recipes or as a substitute for regular coffee.
Can Cold Brew Coffee Be Left Out Overnight?
Yes, Cold Brew Coffee can be left out overnight if stored in a cold environment. Simply place the cold brew coffee in the fridge the night before, and it will be chilled and ready to drink in the morning.
Conclusion:
I hope this article has given you all the necessary instructions on making the cold brew coffee shelf stable. Thank you, and have a nice day!
